Kirkuk launches campaign monitoring team to ensure election safety

KIRKUK — With election campaigning getting underway on Friday, authorities in Kirkuk formed a special team to monitor campaign materials and ensure public safety. Officials said candidates whose posters obstruct drivers’ vision or endanger pedestrians will face financial penalties.

Kirkuk District Commissioner Falah Yaychi told 964media that “if a candidate’s poster or banner causes a driver’s view to be blocked and leads to a traffic accident, or if it harms pedestrians, the team monitoring campaign materials will impose strict financial penalties.”

Yaychi said the team includes representatives from the Independent High Electoral Commission, the District Commissioner’s Office, Traffic Police, and Municipality authorities. He added that the team began work Friday and will receive reports from residents in person or by phone regarding any campaign materials causing issues. “The teams will continue their work until after the elections and the conclusion of the campaign period,” he said.

The elections are scheduled for Nov. 11.

The Garmian Traffic Directorate also issued a warning Thursday to political parties and candidates ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary election campaign, cautioning them against placing posters in locations that obstruct traffic signs or signals.

In Duhok, municipal officials have also introduced new regulations on campaign posters and promotional materials. The measures aim to preserve the city’s appearance, protect the environment, and prevent the defacement of public spaces.